LIVE NAPLES CITY COUNCIL BLOG: New rescue boat requested to meet water flow standards

City of Naples Firefighters placed an adult female victim on a backboard before transferring her to a hospital. Two rental personal watercraft were headed south in lower Naples Bay when the operator of one watercraft swerved quickly to avoid contact with a passing boat. The passenger onboard the watercraft was slung off and struck her head on the left front bow of the passing boat.

A $250,000 fire rescue boat will be considered at today's Naples City Council meeting where members are faced with a decision of how to meet state fire codes regarding water supply and flow.

At its last meeting, council asked for more information about the city's fleet and how a new fire boat would be used if bought.

The vessel up for discussion pumps water at 1,200 gallons per minute and would aid in land and marine fires, water rescues, and environmental protection. The current boat is old and pumps water at 125 gallons per minute, according to city records.

Council has been divided on the issue of buying a boat to meet standards when some argue the city's infrastructure should be improved to truly address safety.

Florida's new fire codes went into effect Dec. 31, 2011, but the city imposed its own Sept. 1 deadline to decide how best to meet the standards. Council recently voted to postpone that date to Jan. 1, 2013.

In the meantime, homes are being built in parts of the city where water mains do not provide adequate flow, city records show.

And homes exceeding 5,000 square feet must also meet new Florida water flow standards, though the city has yet to direct homeowners as to their responsibility in the matter.

Fire Chief Steve McInerny said last week he does not know of any new homes that have been permitted in the city with sprinkler systems, one of the recommended prevention methods for homes over 5,000 square feet.

Parking meters

The city is looking to improve parking meters near its beach access points through a $540,000 project to be budgeted in the coming fiscal year.

Parking meters, which only accept change, will be replaced with pay stations that accept cash, credit and debit, making it easier for visitors without free parking stickers to pay and park.

Current meters are outdated and eat up staff time in costly repairs and maintenance, according to staff reports.

Budget reading

The first reading to approve the city's 2012-2013 budget and millage rate will take place at 5 p.m.

The final budget hearing will take place Wednesday, Sept. 19 at the same time.